HOW WE CAN BE SURE TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE ETERNALLY SECURE.
- Because of the terms used to describe salvation. "eternal life" (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:11); "full assurance" (He. 6:11; Col. 2:2); "strong consolation" (He. 6:18); "hope ... sure and steadfast" (He. 6:19).
- Because of what we are. All of the following are spoken of in the present tense; this is the present condition of each true believer (1) Forgiven (Ro. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:12). (2) Justified (Ro. 5:1,9; Tit. 3:7) (3) Risen with Christ (Ro. 6:3-6; Col. 3:1,2). (4) Reconciled (Ro. 5:10). (5) Accepted in the beloved (Ep. 1:6). (6) Saved (Ep. 2:8,9; 2 Ti. 1:9). (7) Citizens of Heaven (Ph. 3:20). (8) Children of light (1 Th. 5:5). (9) Not of the world (Jn. 17:16). (10) Elect (1 Pe. 1:2). (11) Born again (1 Pe. 1:2,23). (12) New creation (2 Co. 5:17). (13) Complete in Him (Col. 2:10). (14) Sanctified once for all (He. 10:10). (15) Perfected forever (He. 10:14). (16) Passed from death unto life (1 Jn. 3:14). (17) Sanctified in Christ (1 Co. 1:2). (18) Light in the Lord (Ep. 5:8). (19) A child of God forever (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:4-7; 1 Jn. 3:1). (20) Made fit for Heaven (Col. 1:12).
- Because of where we are. (1) In the heavenlies with Christ (Ep. 2:5-6). (2) In God's family (Ga. 3:26; 1 Jn. 3:2). (3) Translated into the kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13). (4) Brought near (Ep. 2:13).
- Because of what we have. (1) Peace with God (Ro. 5:1). (2) Eternal life (Jn. 3:16). (3) Sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ep. 1:12-14). (4) All spiritual blessings (Ep. 1:3). (5) Access to God (Ep. 2:18). (6) An Advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2). (7) Eternal redemption (He. 9:12). (8) Forgiveness of sins (Ep. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 2:13). (9) Mercy (1 Pe. 2:10). (10) Eternal glory (2 Ti. 2:10). (11) Everlasting consolation (2 Th. 2:16). (12) An Intercessor in Heaven (Ro. 8:34).
- Because of what is past. (1) The law of sin and death (Ro. 8:2). (2) Death and wrath (Col. 3:3; Ro. 6:11; 1 Th. 5:9). (3) Condemnation (Jn. 5:24). (4) Night and darkness (1 Th. 5:5).
- Because of our promises. (1) The glory of God (Ro. 5:2). This speaks of Christ's kingdom glory (2) Redemption of the body (Ro. 8:23-24; Ph. 3:21). (3) Never perish (Jn. 10:27-28). (4) Predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ro. 8:28-29). (5) Shall appear with Christ in glory (Col. 3:3-4). (6) Not appointed to wrath but to salvation (1 Th. 5:9). (7) Delivered from the wrath to come (1 Th. 1:10). (8) Incorruptible inheritance (1 Pe. 1:4). (9) He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Ph. 1:6). (10) Shall never die (Jn. 11:26). (11) Glorious liberty of the children of God (Ro. 8:21). (12) God shall confirm you unto the end (1 Co. 1:8). (13) Eternal inheritance (He. 9:15). (14) Shall be saved from wrath (Ro. 5:9). (15) Cannot be separated from God's love (Ro. 8:31-39).
